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Important: The information contained below is for guidance only. Although every effort is made to ensure its accuracy, we strongly recommend you visit the gov.uk for up-to-date information. Further details on eligibility, required documents and application can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa/overview

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1. Short-term Study: 16 years old or above, courses of maximum of 6 months.

 

Students enjoy freedom in that, they do not have to study full time and there is no requirement for the course to lead to an approved qualification.

However, Short-term Study students are more restricted than their Tier 4 General Student counterparts in the following ways:

• they will not be allowed to do any work or work placement (even if it is part of a course, or is unpaid) – Please note that since August 2015, Tier 4 General students would only have work rights if they are sponsored by HEIs. 

• they will not be able to extend their stay in the UK, i.e. they must return home and re-apply if they wish to come back to the UK for more studies. (Please note that since November 2015 and April 2016 rules around visa extension in the UK under Tier 4 General route have also restricted extension in the UK to those students sponsored by HEI, Embedded Colleges and Independent School only. See section below regarding Visa Extension for more details.) 

 

To be considered for a Short-Term Study visa, students must show that they have been unconditionally accepted on a course that is provided by an organisation that is the holder of a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence or accredited by a UKVI recognised accreditation body. Students must have the financial resources to accommodate and maintain themselves during their studies in the UK.

 

2. 11 months Short-term Study visa: 16 years old or above, English language courses of up to 11 months.

 

Since 10 January 2011 this visa type (formerly known as Extended Student Visitor Visa) allows students wishing to study pure English Language courses to apply for a visa to stay in the UK for up to 11 months.

 

3. Short-Term Study (child): 15 years old and under, courses of maximum of 6 months.

 

Students are more restricted than their Tier 4 Child Student counterparts as they will not be able to extend their stay in the UK, i.e. they must return home and re-apply if they wish to come back to the UK for more studies. In addition to the documents required for a Short-term Study visa for students who are 16 or above, students under the age of 18 will need to have made arrangement for their travel and stay in the UK and have permission from their parents or legal guardian to study in the UK.

 

When should you use the Short-term Study route?

 

Students should only come on a Short-term Study visa, if they are absolutely certain they:

• will not want to stay for longer than six months (or 11 months in the case of pure English Language courses)

• do not have a SELT or their SELT grades are below relevant Tier 4 requirements. and there will be enough of a gap between their studies to allow them to return home and re-apply for a new Tier 4 visa to continue their studies in the UK.

• You can only apply for a visa up to 3 months before your intended course starts in the UK.

 

Full details on applying under each visitor route can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa

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